Senate Backs Extension of Federal Terrorism Insurance Program

In Rare Show of Bipartisanship, Lawmakers Vote to Extend Legislation for 7 Years

By

Michael R. Crittenden

Updated July 17, 2014 4:42 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate lawmakers on Thursday overwhelmingly approved legislation to extend a federal terrorism insurance program for seven years, stressing the need for the government to continue providing a backstop to the private sector in the event of a major terrorist attack.

Senators voted 93-4 to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program through 2021, a rare show of bipartisanship for legislation sought by groups such as the National Football League, big hotel chains and real-estate developers. Senate lawmakers...